Veterans and Their Families

Providing a voice for veterans since WWI

"Thank you for seeing me as a veteran and not a homeless man."

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 39,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Approximately half of those are Vietnam-era veterans, and veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are also appearing among the homeless population.

Since World War I, Volunteers of America has provided direct services to veterans and connected them to other organizations that can help.

"Volunteers of America just made it all happen, but more importantly, for the first time in 20 years I felt that camaraderie like I was back in the military. And I keep coming back because they're like my family." - Karen, Chicago, IL

How We Support Veterans

We are committed to ending homelessness for those veterans on the street and preventing others from becoming homeless by providing a wide array of well-designed and managed services to meet the specific needs of homeless veterans. Every night, we give veterans emergency shelter and, when they are ready, provide transitional and even permanent housing.

Our support helps veterans overcome the barriers that stand between them and a stable, secure life. Our housing units provide case management services for veterans and families; many cities support outreach centers where veterans can receive treatment for PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and addictions. We make sure veterans connect to the benefits they are entitled to, and we make use of the strong bonds forged between veterans by incorporating mentoring and peer-to-peer support.

We also provide employment services that include assessment, training and placement. Compensated work programs offer a stipend while training veterans for a new career, and help is available with everything from resume prep to job interviewing, clothing and transportation. Finding work is an important part of building back confidence and pride and sustaining independence.

Some of our work with veterans is made possible by the generous support of organizations like The Home Depot Foundation. And you too can help support our veterans.